One of our research projects (SOIL-MONTANA: Microbial community structure as indicator of soil quality in mountain pastures and valley meadows), led by Iker Mijangos and developed by all members of our Soil Microbial Ecology Group, has been recently awarded as one of the best LIFE projects in 2015. The main objective of the project was to promote sustainable agricultural practices in the Gorbeia Natural Park (Basque Country) with special interest on the impact of disturbances on biodiversity. During the project, we studied the impact of agricultural practices on soil (microbial) properties as indicators of soil quality in mountain pastures and valley meadows and, most importantly, we designed and implemented Soil Quality Cards to increase the farmers´ awareness of the importance of the soil resource. Congratulations to Iker and all the other members of our group!
